As the San Antonio Spurs make a splash in the NBA Finals, Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones finds herself in a unique position. While the city rallies behind the team, Jones remains focused on the financial implications of the new $1.3 billion arena deal, particularly the $800 million in public funding it requires. With San Antonio facing a $131 million budget gap heading into fiscal year 2028, Jones is determined to ensure that the city’s most vulnerable residents are not left behind.
Jones has been a vocal critic of the arena deal since its inception, arguing that the city cannot afford to divert funds from essential services. Despite her public disagreements with the team’s owners and some fans, she has not let her criticism dampen her spirits during the playoffs. Jones has been spotted wearing her Spurs shirt to work and even attended Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where she shared a light moment with Charles Barkley on ESPN.
Addressing San Antonio’s Budget Crisis
San Antonio’s rapid growth has not been enough to offset a decline in property tax revenue this year. As home values cool and exemptions expand, city officials are proposing their first tax rate increase in 33 years. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming Project Marvel sports and entertainment district, which will compete for funding with other critical infrastructure projects in 2027.
Jones is using the Spurs’ playoff run as an opportunity to engage with team owners about the city’s financial struggles. She has reached out to both Spurs Chairman Peter J. Holt and Dell Technologies CEO Michael Della minority owner of the team, seeking their support. In a letter dated May 2, Jones asked Dell to contribute to the city’s $489 million portion of the arena funding, emphasizing that this amount is a mere drop in the bucket for the sixth wealthiest person in the worldaccording to Forbes.
Seeking Accountability from Team Owners
In addition to her request for financial assistance, Jones is also pursuing a $2 million payment from Spurs Sports & Entertainment related to a failed effort to bring a Major League Soccer team to San Antonio. The deal fell through due to an unknown clause in the team’s contract, leaving both the city and Bexar County owed money. Jones has been working with City Manager Erik Walsh to recoup this amount and expects an update from the team’s owners soon.
Jones’ colleagues and the local business community have criticized her approach, arguing that renegotiating a deal already approved by the council could harm San Antonio’s reputation as a business partner. However, Jones maintains that her colleagues let emotion about the Spurs cloud their judgment and that she is acting in the best interest of the city.
Balancing Fandom and Fiscal Responsibility
As the playoffs continue, Jones is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. City Council may need to approve higher property taxes at the same time that other living costs, such as gas, water, and electricity, are on the rise. Jones is committed to defending the decisions made by her administration, particularly as they impact the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“I always want to be able to defend what we are doing,” Jones said, “because I understand the most vulnerable in our community are already having a hard time. I’m trying to balance all the things as we cheer on our team but also fight hard for our city.”